Greetings! In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “who” in Telugu, including both formal and informal expressions. Telugu, one of the most widely spoken languages in India, offers different ways to express this question word depending on the context and speaker’s relationship. Let’s dive into the various ways you can ask “who” in Telugu!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Who” in Telugu
When addressing someone formally or in a respectful manner, Telugu provides the following ways to ask “who”:
1. ఎవరు (Evaru)
This is the most common and widely used word for “who” in formal situations. It is the standard, polite term used when you are referring to someone you have respect for. For example:
ఇది ఎవరి పేరు? (Idi evari peru?) – “Whose name is this?”
Here, “evaru” is being used formally to inquire about the owner of a specific name.
2. మనకు ఖచ్చితమైనది ఎవరు? (Manaku kacchitamainadi evaru?)
This phrase, which can be translated as “Who is it for us definitely?”, is often used in formal situations to politely inquire about the intended recipient of something. For instance:
ఈ పత్రము మనకు ఖచ్చితమైనది ఎవరు? (Ee patramu manaku kacchitamainadi evaru?) – “Who is this letter intended for?”
By using this longer phrase, you are expressing a higher level of formality and respect.
Informal Ways to Say “Who” in Telugu
Now let’s explore some casual or informal ways to ask “who” in Telugu. These expressions are suitable for use among friends, family, or others with whom you share a close relationship.
3. ఎవరు రా? (Evaru ra?)
This is a simple and commonly used phrase to ask “who” in everyday conversations. By adding “ra” at the end, the tone becomes friendly and informal. For example:
ఈ పేపర్ వాళ్ళకి చేసిన విమర్శే ఎవరు రా? (Ee paper vaallaki cheysina vimarshe evaru ra?) – “Who wrote these critiques for them?”
Here, “evaru ra” conveys an informal tone suitable for discussions among friends or acquaintances.
4. ఎవరందరూ (Evarandaru)
This colloquial phrase is similar to “people,” but it is more specifically used to ask “who” when referring to a group of people. It has a casual and friendly tone. For instance:
అడ్వాన్స్ పాయ్లాన్స్ లా ఇవ్వవచ్చు. ఇవ్వడం ఈ ప్రాజెక్టుకు ఎవరందరూ ఉండాలి. (Advances payments laane ivvavachu. Ivvadam ee projectku evarandaru undali.) – “You can give advances payments. Some people should be there for this project.”
“Evarandaru” is commonly used in Telugu conversations when asking about the involvement of multiple individuals.
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
While the above phrases cover the commonly used ways to ask “who” in Telugu, it’s important to note that language usage can vary across different regions. Here are some additional tips and regional variations:
Regional Variations
Telugu, being spoken across various regions, may have some slight linguistic differences. For example:
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: ఎవడు (Evadu) is commonly used instead of “evaru”.
- Rayalaseema Region: ఎవడికైనా (Evadikaina) is often used instead of “evaru” in casual conversations.
- Telangana Region: Telangana speakers may use the term ఎవరో (Evaro) instead of “evaru” to refer to “who”.
Tips for Usage
When asking “who” in Telugu, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Context Matters: Depending on the situation, choose the appropriate term, whether formal or informal, to address the person you are inquiring about.
2. Usage of Names: In Telugu, people are often directly addressed by their names, which helps to make the question more specific. For instance, instead of asking “Who is coming?”, you can say “Ravi garu vasthunnara?” (Is Ravi coming?)
3. Non-Person Context: In case you are asking “who” in relation to non-person entities like objects or places, you may use specific terms. For instance, “Wardrobe evariki?” (Whose wardrobe is it?)
I hope this guide has been helpful in enhancing your understanding of how to say “who” in Telugu. Remember to consider the importance of the relationship and context while choosing the appropriate term! Happy learning!
